In a major breakthrough, the Kharavela Nagar Police on Saturday busted a gang that used to loot people after offering them spiked drinks at bus terminals and railway stations in Bhubaneswar.
The mastermind of the gang, identified as Sharifa Khatun, alias Muskan of the Dhauli area in Bhubaneswar along with three of her accomplices was arrested. Police have seized intoxicants from their possession.
According to reports, Muskan had formed the gang known as Landa Gang with the help of Landa, a resident of Ganjam, Sana Landa of Nayagarh, and Sushant Rout of Odagaon.
Their modus operandi was to target people, particularly Army jawans on vacation returning home by bus or train. Then Muskan charmed the targets with her beauty before offering them tea or other drinks laced with drugs. After the victims faint, the gang members rob them of their cash and belongings.
Speaking to media, Superintendent of Police (zone-1) Manas Garnaik, said, “We have arrested four members of the Landa Gang which had been on a looting spree in Bhubaneswar for the last seven years. Muskan of Dahuli, Ashok Behera (Landa) of Ganjam, Purna Sethi (Sana Landa) of Nayagarh and Sushant Rout of Odagaon were part of the racket. “
He added that as part of their modus operandi, the woman used to ask passengers if they were feeling drowsy. Then, she offered them tea or cold drinks laced with drugs and after the victims fall unconscious, she along with her accomplices carried out the loot, he said.
Garniak further revealed that they have seized two motorcycles and four strips of intoxicant tablets from their possession. The accused have admitted to their crime.